Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Essay for Skills for Business: A business's only responsibility is to produce profits. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

ONCAMPUS MARK SCHEME for UFP Skills for Bus CSR Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Essay for Skills for Business

Essay question: A business’s only responsibility is to produce profits. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Students are marked out of a total of 30 points (20 for content, 10 for referencing).

Mark scheme for content (up to 20 points):

Level	Descriptors	Marks	Assessment Objectives
4	Evaluation: for 5 marks in this section, students should give their opinion and answer the question: to what extent they agree or disagree with the statement. For 5 points, the student gives an opinion backed with reasoning and justification. Students need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of CSR against each other. Suggestions are supported by examples. 1-2 – one sided argument no basis for the argument 3-4 – two sided but no weighting, includes a conclusion 5 – weighted argument is used and includes two sided justifications with a conclusion.	1-5	A04
3	Analysis: for 5 marks in this section, students should explain both the advantages and disadvantages of CSR, as well as some challenges that may exist. 1-2: stating an argument, no explanation 3-4: argument stated but attempts some analysis 5: attempts to analyse are supported with counter/alternative views/evidence	1-5	A03
2	Application: for 5 marks in this section, students need to provide examples of what could go right or wrong with CSR. 0 – Remains theoretical 1 - 2: Makes a statement, no support 3-4: Statement is supported by some theory/academic evidence but left wanting more 5: Statement is well supported, not left wanting more	1-5	A02
1	Knowledge: for 5 marks in this section, students need to demonstrate a good understanding of CSR. Students need to define the term. 1- Listed or very basic 2- Definitions only. 3 – good understanding but not always in context of answer e.g. irrelevant to answer but not incorrect 4 – good understanding, answer in context 5- not left wanting more	1-5	A01

Mark scheme for Harvard Style Referencing (up to 10 points):

Level	Descriptors	Marks	Assessment Objectives
4	Accurate Harvard style referencing, using at least 4 references. In-text referencing is correct, as well as the end of text bibliography.	7-10	A04
3	Partially accurate Harvard style referencing, using at least 3 references and a bibliography of at least 2 sources at the end.	5-6	A03
2	Mistakes, using only 2 or so references	3-4	A02
1	Lack of referencing or many mistakes	1-2	A01

Students are marked out of a total of 30 points (20 for content, 10 for referencing).

Word count: 1000 words + - 10% leniency. Students should write between 900-1100 words. If there are more than 1100 words, the grade will be lowered by 10%. Appendices and end of text references are not included in the word count.

Additional guidelines for tutors for marking:

Every essay will be different. Some will focus on theory and some will use more practical examples instead. Key components to look for in the essay include the following:

· Key business vocabulary has been defined (CSR and other key terms as relevant),

· Choosing a clear opinion and actually ANSWERING the question (ie, to what extent does the student agree).

· Advantages and disadvantages of focusing on profits or of focusing on CSR (students should show that they can see both sides of the argument).

· Examples are used to support opinions.

· Mentioning the impact on the business. What are the costs/benefits for the business of deciding to engage in CSR, or of deciding not to engage in CSR?

· If the student disagrees with the statement, they should use examples of companies to illustrate why.

· The students who agree with this statement tend to write a more theoretical essay (perhaps also drawing from economic theory). They may use fewer examples of companies, which is acceptable.